The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce its highly anticipated 2025 Annual Meeting, themed “Business is Blooming.” This premier event will take place on April 22, 2025, at the Avanti’s Event Center, bringing together local business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members to celebrate a year of growth and future opportunities.

The Annual Meeting serves as a cornerstone event for the Chamber, providing a platform to highlight achievements, discuss upcoming initiatives, and recognize outstanding contributions within the Pekin business community. Attendees will have the chance to network, gain valuable insights, and hear from Chamber leadership on topics relevant to the evolving economic landscape.

“This year’s theme, ‘Business is Blooming,’ reflects the resilience, innovation, and prosperity of our local businesses,” said Dr. Danielle Owens, Board President of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. “We are eager to celebrate our collective success and inspire continued growth in the coming year.”

Attendees will also enjoy heavy appetizers, networking opportunities, and a look ahead at the Chamber’s vision for 2025 and beyond.

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce invites all chamber members to be part of this exciting event. Tickets are available now. For more information or to register, visit www.pekinchamber.com or contact Executive Director Amy McCoy at [email protected]. 

Join us as we celebrate the flourishing business landscape of Pekin—because when business blooms, the whole community thrives!

Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce Congratulates the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy Class of 2025

The Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to congratulate the members of the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy Class of 2025. This prestigious program, named in honor of the late R. David Tebben, former mayor and community leader, continues to inspire and cultivate the next generation of leaders dedicated to serving the Pekin area.

The Community Leadership Academy provides an immersive experience designed to educate participants about the local government, business landscape, nonprofit sector, and economic development initiatives shaping Pekin. Over the course of the program, class members will engage with influential leaders, participate in hands-on learning experiences, and develop the skills necessary to drive positive change within the community.

“We are thrilled to welcome this year’s class of emerging leaders,” said Amy McCoy, Executive Director of the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Academy has a long-standing tradition of fostering leadership, collaboration, and civic engagement, and we look forward to seeing the impact these individuals will have on our community.”

The Class of 2025 includes professionals from diverse industries, representing businesses, nonprofits, and public service organizations committed to making Pekin a better place to live and work. The program will culminate in a graduation ceremony where participants will share insights gained throughout their journey.

For more information about the R. David Tebben Community Leadership Academy or to inquire about future participation, visit www.pekinchamber.com or contact the Pekin Area Chamber of Commerce at [email protected].

Class of 2025:

Vikki Barker: Coffee Connection

Thomas Bridgman: CASA of the Tenth Judicial Circuit

Shawna Burnice: IRVSRA-Pekin Park District

Misti Cave: Pekin Police Department

Eric Dubrowski: City of Pekin

Audrey Farnam: First Pekin Savings Bank

Eva Fischer: Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce

Nick Freeman: Excalibur Seasoning

Heather Friedrich: OSF Medica Group

Vanessa Henderson: Pekin Insurance

Kelly Hyatt: City of Pekin

Jeffrey Inman: Greater Peoria EDC

Daniel Pollman: Pekin Insurance

Laura Rose: Carle Health

Carson Smith: Carle Health

Hannah Snell: Busey Bank

Steven Tennant: City of Pekin Fire Department

Ben White: Pearl Insurance